Transitional Housing Program
Transitional housing provides a bridge between homelessness and permanent housing, giving people a stable place to live while they work toward long-term housing stability.
At Stepping Stone, our transitional housing programs combine a safe place to call home with individualized support. Residents have time to build routines, work toward personal goals, connect with community resources and prepare for independent housing.
As part of our mission to end homelessness for individuals and families in Guelph-Wellington, we are continuing to explore opportunities to expand transitional housing and create more pathways from homelessness to permanent housing.
23 Gordon Street Transitional Housing
Located on the third floor of 23 Gordon Street, our Transitional Housing program provides 12 subsidized units for people who have experienced homelessness and need additional stability and support as they work toward permanent housing.
Residents pay subsidized rent for their unit and can stay for up to three years, giving them the time and stability to work toward their individual goals, build independence and prepare for permanent housing.
Our work at 23 Gordon Street is grounded in a harm reduction approach, meeting people where they are and providing non-judgmental, person-centred support that prioritizes safety, dignity and individual choice.
Each resident has access to:
- A private, furnished room with a mini fridge
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Shared bathrooms
- Laundry facilities
- Individualized support from Stepping Stone staff
Individualized Support
Transitional housing is about more than providing a room. Dedicated staff work alongside each resident to develop individualized care, goal and risk plans based on their unique needs and circumstances.
Support can include:
- Attending health appointments
- Accessing addiction treatment and other health supports
- Establishing daily routines
- Developing and maintaining independent living skills
- Grocery shopping and accessing food resources
- Connecting with community programs and services
- Preparing for independent housing
- Working toward long-term housing stability
How Residents Access the Program
Access to the Transitional Housing program is coordinated through a referral process and the community’s By-Name List.
The By-Name List helps identify and prioritize people experiencing homelessness in Guelph-Wellington for appropriate housing and supports. Transitional Housing is not available on a walk-in basis.
Seniors on Stevenson
In partnership with CMHA Waterloo Wellington
Seniors on Stevenson is a transitional housing partnership between Stepping Stone and CMHA Waterloo Wellington focused on supporting seniors who have experienced homelessness.
The program provides four units with shared facilities, offering residents a stable place to live while they work toward greater independence, housing stability and stronger connections to community services.
Seniors on Stevenson is an abstinence-based program, meaning residents are expected to abstain from substance use while participating in the program. Individualized support is available to help residents work toward their housing and personal goals; however, the program does not provide 24/7 on-site support.
More Than a Place to Stay
Transitional housing provides something incredibly important: time and stability. Having a consistent place to call home allows residents to focus on their health, establish routines, strengthen community connections and take meaningful steps toward permanent housing.
Transitional housing is an important part of Stepping Stone’s housing-focused approach. While emergency shelter provides critical support during a housing crisis, it is not a permanent solution. By creating more pathways between homelessness, shelter and permanent housing, we can help people move beyond crisis toward long-term housing stability.
Building on our existing programs and partnerships, Stepping Stone is committed to growing transitional housing opportunities across Guelph-Wellington. Our goal is not simply to provide a place to stay, but to help people move forward toward a safe, stable and permanent place to call home.
Have Questions?
Want to learn more about Stepping Stone’s transitional housing programs, partnerships or our work in Guelph-Wellington?
Get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to connect.
